The magic behind wireless power transfer
Qi uses electromagnetic induction - fancy science speak for "invisible energy transfer." Your charging pad contains a coil that generates an electromagnetic field, while your device has a receiving coil that converts this energy into electrical current to charge the battery.
When both coils operate at matching frequencies, power transfers efficiently. The technology supports both single coil designs for smaller devices and coil arrays that create larger charging areas.
The beauty of this system? Universal compatibility. Qi Certified devices work with other Qi Certified devices, regardless of the brands.
How Qi has evolved through the years
Qi 1.0 (2010) First release:
Wireless Power Consortium released Qi 1.0. This first standard delivered a modest 5W of power. This first standard supported various coil designs but had alignment problems that would become a focus for future improvements.
Qi 1.1 (2012) Finding its footing:
By 2012, Qi 1.1 expanded from supporting a handful of transmitter types to twelve, giving manufacturers more design freedom. It improved Foreign Object Detection (preventing your keys or coins from getting toasty) and enabled USB-powered transmitters, making wireless charging both safer and more portable.
Qi 1.2 (2015) Speed boost:
Qi 1.2 arrived in 2015 with the Extended Power Profile, tripling the maximum charging capacity from 5W to 15W. Dramatically narrowing the gap between wired and wireless charging speeds.
The days of leaving your phone on a wireless charger overnight just to reach full battery were officially over.
Qi 1.3 (2021) Safety first:
Qi 1.3 focused on enhanced authentication protocols to protect your devices from sketchy, uncertified chargers. This version improved standardization for safer, more consistent experiences while maintaining the 15W power limit.
Qi 2.0 (2023) Magnetic attraction:
Qi 2.0 introduced magnetic alignment, the magnetic connection ensures precise coil positioning, minimizing power loss and device heat while creating the foundation for higher power classes in future versions.
What is "Qi2 Ready"
Shopping for new tech, you might spot "Qi2 Ready" on packaging. This term refers to products that deliver the Qi2 experience, but only when used in specific certified combinations.
For example, a smartphone without built-in magnets can be labeled "Qi2 Ready" if it supports wireless charging and can achieve Qi2 functionality through a compatible magnetic case. Together, they provide the full Qi2 experience with magnetic alignment.
"Qi2 Ready" isn't the same as full "Qi2" compatibility. Full Qi2 compatible devices have built-in magnets and work with Qi2 chargers straight out of the box. Furthermore, not just any phone will work with a Qi2 Ready charger to deliver full Qi2 functionality. To be a Qi2 Ready phone, there are some specific design requirements and it must be tested and certified as meeting Qi2 Ready specifications.
Compatibility across Qi generations
All Qi and Qi2 Certified devices work with any Qi and Qi2 Certified charger and marked with the Qi or Qi2 logo. But as standards evolve, some nuances emerge:
- Newer Qi and Qi2 chargers generally support older Qi devices, but the charging speed is often limited by the older device.
- A charger designed for the original standard won't deliver faster charging speeds offered by recent versions
- Qi2's magnetic alignment ensures devices sit correctly for efficient charging
- Qi2 devices work with MagSafe chargers and vice versa, expanding compatibility options
- While Qi supports up to 15W charging, both your device and charger must support higher wattages to benefit from faster charging
- Many iPhones cap at 7.5W on third-party chargers, while some Android devices can accept up to 15W
- Some older Qi car integrated chargers may have interoperability issues with newer Qi2 Certified phones.
Most major smartphone makers now offer Qi support. To ensure compatibility, look for the Qi or Qi2 logo on product packaging and marketing materials. To maximize charging speed, look for the Qi2 logo when purchasing both phones and chargers. Always check device specifications or Qi/Qi2 support and maximum charging speeds.
Busting wireless charging myths
Several myths about Qi wireless charging need some clarification:
- "Wireless charging is inefficient" - Early wireless charging wasted energy, but Qi2's magnetic alignment dramatically improves efficiency by ensuring precise coil positioning.
- "The connection is unreliable" - Standardization and magnetic securing have made connections more dependable than ever.
- "It's too slow to be practical" – The latest versions of Qi have closed this gap considerably.
- "It's unsafe for batteries" - Built-in protections like temperature regulation make Qi charging extremely safe for your device's long-term health.
The future of cutting the cord
The Qi standard is expanding beyond smartphones to encompass more electronics, smart home devices, portable medical devices, and small kitchen appliances.
As we’re seeing already, charging surfaces are being built directly into furniture, countertops, and public spaces. Companies are embedding charging tech directly into boardroom tables and kitchen countertops right now.
The future of Qi wireless charging is about eliminating those tiny frustrations that compound throughout a busy day. It's about creating spaces where technology serves us without demanding our attention for basic maintenance.
As Qi technology evolves, it maintains backward compatibility while pushing boundaries. By choosing Qi Certified products, you get reliable, safe charging across many devices.
Club 3D, September 2025
Learn More about the new Qi2.2